Quick Tip: During a Tornado Warning - Go to the center of the  lowest level of the building and stay away from doors and windows. 

TORNADO WARNING 
A tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar and may be approaching the area. A warning is an EMERGENCY situation requiring persons in the effected area to seek immediate shelter. Sirens are activated. All university operations are suspended until the event has passed.

DESIGNATED TORNADO SAFETY LOCATIONS      (LIST OF AREAS)
The safest area is the center of the building as close to the basement or ground floor as possible. Placards have been placed at designated tornado shelter locations. The recommended locations for each building can be found on the Emergency website. In the event the locations do not provide enough space, individuals should be directed to a lower level room with interior walls and without doors or windows.  The classroom emergency placards also describe the nearest tornado safety location.

OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS
Outdoor warning sirens are located at both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.
Sirens around the Grand Rapids campus in Kent County activate in the ENTIRE county even if the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for a portion of the county that does not include campus.  
It is very rare, but outdoor warning sirens may also be used for straight line winds or other emergencies like a hazardous materials spill.

IN THE EVENT A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED:

• A GVSUAlert! is issued to all Students, Faculty, and Staff.

• All GVSU operations at the affected campus are suspended until the event has passed.

• Offices, Departments, Campus Dining and Fieldhouse areas will suspend normal operations.

• Go to the nearest tornado safety location.

• If you cannot make it to a designated tornado safety location, move to a small, interior room on the lowest level and stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

• Remain calm / Walk - do not run / Avoid elevators.

• Faculty/staff should be prepared to account for their students. Notify GVSU police (dial 911) of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance.

• Stay in the shelter until an "All Clear" is given via the GVSUAlert! system.

TORNADO WATCH 
This is a forecast of the possibility of tornadoes developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden severe changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local Internet weather sites.  Only Department Emergency Coordinators are alerted.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING 
A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. University operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and intramural events may be cancelled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions. Only Department Emergency Coordinators are alerted.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 
This is a forecast of the possibility of severe thunderstorms (rain, hail, or high winds) developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local Internet weather sites.

WINTER STORM WATCH 
This is a forecast of hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. A watch is a long-range prediction. Watches are generally issued by the National Weather Service at least 12 hours before hazardous weather is expected to begin. University operations continue as normal.

WINTER STORM WARNING 
Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. University operations may be suspended or delayed - You will be notified via the GVSUAlert! system of any operational changes.